New Life boasts a generous mix of interesting topics

The latest edition of Shetland Life features a generous mix of topics including culture, history and social issues, photography, sport and fun for the kids.

The magazine takes a look at things going on in Shetland, from the state of the live music scene and the important work of the Shetland Befriending Scheme to the make-up of the isles them­selves.

The first look at Shetland comes from Marsali Taylor, quite literally, in her piece on geology and Shetland’s bid to gain Geopark status. Robina Barton from the amenity trust explains what this will mean for the isles and the importance of recognising the wealth of geology Shetland has to offer.

As part of the bid, a volcano trail has been created, which follows the land out to Eshaness – the best example of the flank of a volcano in the British Isles. Taylor follows the trail and des­cribes some of the geological delights to be found along the way.

One of Shetland’s oldest exports is examined in a photo study by Dave Donaldson at Jamieson & Smith’s wool store at the Old North Road in Lerwick.

Editor Malachy Tallack looks at the befriending scheme, an import­ant organisation for many in the isles. The scheme, which was set up nine years ago, offers an op­portunity for young people to gain confidence, self esteem and boost their social skills by spending time with a volunteer.

The scheme benefits a range of youngsters aged from seven to 25, who may, for whatever reason, be missing out on those experiences elsewhere in their life. Tallack hears from project workers Lynn Tulloch and Roberto Getto and the experiences of a volunteer, who says the scheme is one of the best things he has been involved in.

Life in Shetland would be very different without music, and so it follows with Shetland Life: an interesting article this month sees a panel of people involved in the music scene in Shetland discuss the state of live music. Tallack is joined by Davie Gardner, Marvin Smith, Bryan Peterson, Karen Mac­Kelvie and Maurice Hender­son.

Chaired by Neil Riddell, it is a topical debate, covering issues such as: the impact of “marathon” concerts and the abundance of festivals; regulations in country halls; what impact Mareel will have; and how attitudes to drinking affect gigs. It is also one that you are invited to comment on – send your opinions to the editor at m.tallack@shetland-times.co.uk

Music is also the order of the day with Steve Davidson’s review of Fiddlers’ Bid’s latest CD All Dressed in Yellow, and more photos from Donaldson at Fiddle Frenzy.

The regular contributors’ col­umns are also both interesting and entertaining, from Bryan Peterson’s explanation of eggcorns and their use in language and Ronnie Eunson’s discussion of the EID sheep tracking system to Ann Prior’s usual tasty looking recipes featuring local ingre­dients.